‘I’m not MK party’s Visvin Reddy – I’m Vivian Reddy’

Controversial KwaZulu-Natal businessman Vivian Reddy has slammed those who have confused him for an MK member in the province, while also rubbishing reports that he is funding political parties ahead of May elections.

Reddy, a friend of ex- president Jacob Zuma, has dodged corruption charges for several years.

As the Zuma-backed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party seeks to put the former statesman on the ballot, Reddy has been suspected as the party’s mastermind and main sponsor.

In a video posted to social media, Reddy addressed the claims. “There are certain devious, propaganda social media accounts that have been spreading misinformation, claiming that I am funding or establishing political parties. I deny these baseless allegations as fake news.”

Senior MK party leader Visvin Reddy appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court in KZN this week on charges of inciting public violence.

Reacting to the ANC taking the MK party to court over its registration, Visvin Reddy warned civil war may break out if it was not allowed to campaign and be on the ballot paper. Vivian Reddy’s name cropped up during online discussions about the case, something the businessman was not happy about. “There is confusion due to the similarity of my name and that of a politician, Visvin

Reddy. Although our names are alike, we are two different individuals. I am not associated with any parliamentary list of any political party.”

Hours before Visvin Reddy’s court appearance, MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela told 702 that members who incite violence would be disciplined, threatening expulsion.

“Any member that utters or makes any pronouncements of violence will be dealt with drastically and we’ll expel them. Visvin Reddy in the same way we’ve dealt with. [MK youth leader] Bonginkosi [Khanyile] has also received a warning.”

There’s confusion due to similarity of our names